Updated April 26, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected holiday travel. Many people are understandably worried about traveling and have made the hard decision to stay home.
If you decide to travel, make sure you know the risks and take the necessary precautions to keep both you and your loved ones as safe as possible. In general, the CDC recommends the following travel tips:
Get Tested Before You Travel
Although negative Covid tests are usually only required if you’re leaving the country (or visiting states such as Hawaii), it can still be a smart decision to take a Covid test before you decide to travel for the holidays. Give yourself enough time to schedule, take and get the results of a Covid test. People in the United States can contact their state’s health department for testing questions.
Wear a Mask Indoors and in Any Public Setting
If you’re taking a plane down south or catching a bus out west, wearing a proper face mask can reduce your chances of getting infected or unknowingly passing the infection on to your fellow passengers. According to the CDC, the most effective masks are made of two or more layers and fit snugly while still being breathable.
Avoid Touching Your Face, Eyes, Nose and Mouth
Not touching your mask can be a challenge, especially when it keeps slipping off your nose, or fogging up your glasses.
Wash Your Hands
Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the length of two rounds of the Happy Birthday song!)
Launder Clothing and Masks
Whether you’re hosting visitors or visiting someone else, keep your belongings clean and isolated from common areas as soon as you get to your destination.
Don’t Forget the Hand Sanitizer
Pack plenty of bottles of hand sanitizer. While reputable airlines, bus and train services are taking precautions for COVID-19, you’ll still be in close quarters with many different people. You’ll want to use sanitizer any time you come in contact with people and things at high risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Minimize Your Public Activities Before Your Trip
Before traveling for the holidays, limit your public engagements. Avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing.
Have a Covid Plan
If you choose to gather with people outside your usual household, you should plan for what to do if you notice a guest experiencing symptoms.
Follow Statewide Covid Restrictions
If you’re an American citizen living in an area with a low infection rate, you might be used to less restrictive protocol. However, guidelines differ from state to state. Be sure to adhere to the restrictions enforced by the state you’re visiting. For updated state-by-state COVID-19 advisories check out this interactive map from the New York Times.
Secure Your Travels With Insurance
If you make travel plans, buying travel insurance is incredibly smart in case your travel plans have to change for any reason. Beyond regular insurance, consider purchasing your plan with a Cancel For Any Reason option.
That way, if your circumstances change, if there’s a chance you could have been exposed to the coronavirus, or if you just have second thoughts, you can cancel your trip and recoup prepaid travel expenses.
Safe Places to Travel
Instead of risking your health or the health of your family, you might think about traveling to countries with a relatively low number of Covid cases or more stringent safety protocols.
Here’s a list of some of the safer travel destinations in 2021.
For the latest on how you can stay safe over the holidays visit cdc.gov.
